News Main Menu

Mastro to be awarded PA Breast Cancer Coalition grant Jan. 26

By Sam Sholtis

January 21, 2016

Mastro to be awarded PA Breast Cancer Coalition grant Jan. 26

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Andrea Mastro, professor of microbiology and cell biology at Penn State, will be presented with a grant from the statewide research grants program of the PA Breast Cancer Coalition at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 26, in the lobby of North/South Frear Building on the University Park campus. The event will feature presentations from Scott Selleck, professor and department head of biochemistry and molecular biology at Penn State; Pat Halpin-Murphy, president and founder of the PA Breast Cancer Coalition; and Mastro, followed by a tour of Mastro's laboratory. To attend the event, RSVP by email to Jennifer@PABreastCancer.org or by phone at 800-377-8828 x2303.

Mastro is being honored for her research on metastatic breast cancer. She plans a project that examines breast cancer recurrence. Her research team will combine two specialized technologies to isolate and then grow circulating tumor cells from the blood of patients. Her team then will use cell numbers and characteristics to predict if the cells will metastasize, remain dormant, or be eliminated by the patient’s immune system.

"Excellent research is being carried out throughout Pennsylvania. With federal funding becoming less and less available, it is important that we maintain that research," Mastro said. "We all need to keep the momentum going and continue to provide funding for young investigators, and investigators with new ideas."

The PA Breast Cancer Coalition began awarding research grants in 1997, using donations from Pennsylvanians on the state income tax form along with private donations. More than $3 million has been contributed to the program and more than 90 grants have been awarded to Pennsylvania scientists looking for the cause of and cure for breast cancer.